Eyles fires double on debut as Liversedge end drought

Jimmy Eyles scored two goals on debut, having joined from Ossett Albion, as Liversedge earned a first Premier Division win since October 31 to give themselves hope of survival.

Published:10:49Thursday 10 March 2016

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Liversedge ended a long winless streak on Tuesday night when they defeated Pontefract Collieries 3-1 to give themselves hope of avoiding relegation.

Liversedge’s second biggest crowd of the season were in attendance for the club’s first home game in 130 days and they went away happy after witnessing a terrific display.

The pitch held up well, following a spell of dry weather, and it was testament to the likes of groundsman Andy Taylor, Bob Gawthorpe and the rest of the Sedge committee that they, at last, got a game played at home.

Liversedge have introduced several new players in their bid to avoid relegation from the Northern Counties East League Premier Division and it was no coincidence that they played key roles in the win.

Sheffield FC’s top scorer Benny Igheion produced a lively debut and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, while strike partner Jimmy Eyles bagged a brace having joined on dual registration from Ossett Albion.

Simon Wood — assistant manager at Harrogate Railway — has returned to Sedge to offer experience and was joined in the side on Tuesday by Brice Tyani, who has joined from Albion Sports.

Pontefract came into the game having ended an 11-match winless run last Saturday but Sedge looked to put them under early pressure.

Max Elliott broke down a Colls move in midfield and surged forward before slipping a pass to Eyles, who expertly rounded the goalkeeper to slot home after 10 minutes.

Igheion had a penalty saved soon after, while the Pontefract goalkeeper was in superb form to deny the home side on several occasions.

Igheion produced a neat turn and fierce shot but the goalkeeper produced a stunning save to deny him a debut goal.

A goalmouth scramble, following a Liversedge set piece from the left, resulted in Joe Walton stabbing home and Liversedge had breathing space, leading 2-0 at half-time.

Liversedge added a third goal in the 65th minute when Eyles showed his quality to shimmy past the Colls defence before drilling right footed into the left corner.

Liversedge changed things around late in the game and Pontefract gained the impetus and pulled a goal back five minutes from time when sloppy defending led to Jack Mawson stabbing home at the back post.

But Liversedge had done enough to earn a first league win since October 31 and they have belief that they can produce a great escape.

Victory leaves Sedge six points behind Nostell Miners Welfare with eight games in hand, while they are seven points off safety heading into Saturday’s trip to the east coast, where they meet high flying Bridlington Town.

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